Aloha! Whether this is your first trip to the Islands or your umpteenth return, Hawaii is endlessly generous: turquoise water, dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush valleys and waterfalls, and history that moves you. Below are the top 10 attractions that consistently top traveler lists and why each deserves a slot on your Hawaii itinerary — plus practical tips so you make the most of every stop.
1. Waikiki Beach (Oʻahu) — sun, surf & iconic skyline
Why go: Waikiki is Hawaii’s most famous beachfront neighborhood: white sand, endless beginner surf lessons, hotels and nightlife all within easy walking distance. Great for first-time visitors who want a classic Hawaiian vibe.
Must-do: Take a beginner surf lesson, stroll Kalakaua Avenue at sunset, and catch a free hula show at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound.
Best time: Year-round; mornings are calmer for swimming.
How long: Half-day to several days (Waikiki is also a base for exploring Oʻahu).
2. Diamond Head State Monument (Oʻahu) — panoramic summit hikes
Why go: A relatively short but rewarding hike leads to sweeping views of Honolulu and the Pacific — an iconic photo op and one of Oʻahu’s top attractions. Diamond Head often ranks high on visitor lists for Hawaii’s must-see landmarks. Tripadvisor
Must-do: Start early (parking and permits can be limited), bring water and sunscreen.
Difficulty: Moderate — about 0.8 miles (one-way) with switchbacks and stairs.
How long: 1.5–2.5 hours round-trip.
3. Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial (Oʻahu) — living history
Why go: A solemn, essential stop for history — the USS Arizona Memorial honors lives lost in the 1941 attack and provides museum exhibits that contextualize WWII’s Pacific Theater. Plan ahead: timed-entry tickets are recommended. Wikipedia
Must-do: Visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, watch the short documentary, and take the shuttle boat to the memorial.
How long: 2–4 hours.
4. Haleakalā National Park (Maui) — sunrise above the clouds
Why go: The summit of Haleakalā offers surreal landscapes and one of the world’s most famous sunrises. The crater’s lunar-like terrain, alpine plants and rarely seen birds make it a unique experience on Maui.
Tips: Reservations/permit are required for sunrise viewing — book in advance. Layer up: temperatures at the summit can be freezing even when it’s warm at sea level.
How long: Sunrise visit is usually 3–4 hours; hiking and exploring can be a full day.
5. Road to Hāna (Maui) — the ultimate scenic drive
Why go: This legendary drive through tropical rainforest, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and hidden vistas is about the journey, not just the destination. The Road to Hāna is one of the island experiences travelers rave about.
Must-do: Stop at Twin Falls, Waiʻanapanapa State Park (black sand beach) and local stands for banana bread. Drive slowly and leave early to avoid crowds.
How long: Full day (round trip) unless you stay overnight in Hāna.
6. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) — volcanic wonderland
Why go: Home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this park is where you can watch geological forces shape the earth. Trails lead through lava fields, volcanic craters and rainforest — an essential experience for nature lovers. For current park details, hours and safety information, consult the National Park Service site. National Park Service
Must-do: Visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center, walk the Sulphur Banks boardwalk, and explore accessible crater overlooks. Check current volcanic activity and closures before you go.
How long: Half-day to full day.
7. Nā Pali Coast (Kauaʻi) — cliffs, sea caves & jaw-dropping views
Why go: The Nā Pali Coast’s towering emerald cliffs and secluded beaches are among Hawaii’s most spectacular and remote coastlines. You can view it by boat, helicopter, or — for the adventurous — the Kalalau Trail.
Must-do: Book a boat or helicopter tour for dramatic views; if hiking the Kalalau Trail, be prepared (permits required for camping past Hanakapiai).
How long: Boat or flight tours: 2–4 hours; hiking: full multi-day commitment for the entire trail.
8. Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauaʻi) — “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Why go: This vast, colorful canyon offers sweeping overlooks, hiking, and dramatic vistas that rival the mainland canyons. The contrast of red soil, green valleys and blue ocean is stunning.
Must-do: Drive to multiple lookouts, hike portions of the canyon rim, and combine with a visit to nearby Kōkeʻe State Park.
How long: Half-day to full day.
9. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Oʻahu) — snorkeling paradise
Why go: A protected marine preserve with a shallow reef teeming with tropical fish — ideal for first-time snorkelers and families. Hanauma Bay’s conservation rules help preserve its coral and marine life.
Tips: The park limits daily visitors and has an orientation video for conservation and safety — arrive early and snorkel from the designated entry points.
How long: 2–4 hours.
10. ʻAkaka Falls State Park (Big Island) — classic waterfall scenery
Why go: A short, easy loop walk leads to two stunning waterfalls — ʻAkaka Falls (442 ft) and Kahūnā Falls — set in a lush, fern-filled rainforest. It’s an accessible nature stop that photographs beautifully.
Must-do: Combine with a Big Island north-coast drive and stops at lookout points.
How long: 1–2 hours.
Practical travel tips & planning
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Inter-island travel: Most visitors fly between islands; Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and other regional carriers offer frequent service.
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Car rental: Essential on Maui, Kauaʻi and the Big Island for exploring beyond main towns. Oʻahu has more public transit and walkable areas.
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Respect local culture & ʻāina (land): Follow posted rules, leave no trace, and dress modestly at sacred sites. Be mindful around lava — local beliefs consider Pele (the volcano goddess) sacred. Condé Nast Traveler
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Book high-demand experiences early: Sunrise at Haleakalā, Pearl Harbor tours, and Nā Pali boat trips often sell out.
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Safety: Swim between the flags on crowded beaches, heed shark and current warnings, and check volcanic activity / air quality notices on the Big Island before visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP.
Suggested 7-day sample itinerary (fast-paced)
Day 1: Arrive Oʻahu — Waikiki & Diamond Head sunrise hike
Day 2: Pearl Harbor + North Shore drive (surf towns)
Day 3: Fly to Maui — Road to Hāna or Haleakalā sunrise (choose one)
Day 4: Maui beaches & Lahaina town
Day 5: Fly to Kauaʻi — Nā Pali boat/flight or Waimea Canyon day
Day 6: Kauaʻi exploration — beaches, hikes, local food
Day 7: Big Island — Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP or Akaka Falls (depending on flights)
Quick FAQs
Do I need reservations for Haleakalā sunrise?
Yes — summit sunrise often requires a timed reservation; check the park website before traveling. National Park Service
Is the Nā Pali Coast accessible by road?
No — the coast is inaccessible by regular cars; best viewed via boat, helicopter, or the Kalalau Trail (hiking permits required).
Can I see lava at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanic activity is variable. Check the National Park Service and local news before visiting; some eruptions are visible from safe overlooks while others are not. National Park Service
Final notes (and a little aloha)
Hawaii is more than a checklist — it’s an invitation to slow down, appreciate the natural forces that shaped the islands, and learn from local culture. Whether you chase sunrise at Haleakalā, snorkel in Hanauma Bay, or stand solemnly at the USS Arizona Memorial, you’ll come away with memories that last.
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